Cllr Haughey said, “A number of local businesses have contacted me in despair at the high VAT rate which is currently imposed on them. Most of these businesses are part of the hospitality and tourism industries, including local pubs, hotels, restaurants and cafes. They simply are not making ends meet with the increasing tax burden on their businesses.
“I strongly support the lobby for a reduction in the VAT rate for the hospitality sector to 5% and I have contacted the SDLP MPs on this matter, all of which have committed to fighting this issue at Westminster. In other areas of the EU, countries have reduced their VAT rates and it has had a significant impact on employment and the local economy. The north of Ireland can benefit from this reduction as well but we need all our MPs fighting hard on this issue together.
“I have written to Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster to request special measures for the hospitality and tourism industry. In England millions of pounds is being put into the hospitality sector pre-Olympics and the Northern Ireland Assembly must secure similar investment and provide funding opportunities so that we can best promote the north as a key visitor attraction. “Hospitality businesses in Poyntzpass, Ballymacnab, Markethill, Tandragee and the wider Armagh area need support so that they can continue to attract people to our towns, villages and countryside. I urge local people to get behind this campaign and sign the ‘Thrive on 5’ petition, details of which are on my website www.sharonhaughey.info.”
ENDS